Nagas demand border guards

Kohima, Aug. 11: Nagas have demanded border guards in all villages along the Nagaland-Assam border.

A resolution to this effect was passed in Dimapur after a daylong “People’s dialogueon border issue between Assam and Nagaland”.

It was organised by the United Naga Tribes’ Association of Border Area.

They demanded that border guards be appointed in all villages along the Nagaland-Assam boundary to protect people and their lands.

They also demanded that point number 12 of the 16-point Agreement of 1960 which has mentioned inclusion of all the Naga areas under Nagaland state and subsequent resolutions passed by the Nagaland Assembly for geo-political integration of Naga people, be implemented in letter and spirit.

The resolution stated that the purpose of formation of the border affairs department should be re-defined and it must work for the welfare of Naga villages along the border areas.

It demanded that agreements between Assam and Nagaland be reviewed. The statement also demanded that on the basis of historical facts, all recognised villages of the government of Nagaland must be protected by the state government. It said settlement of the Naga people should not be allowed to be disturbed by outsiders.

The meeting also resolved that the Naga people shall work together for “reclaiming and protecting their land.

Chairman of the association Hukavi Yepthomi said the unsettled issue of border dispute between Assam and Nagaland is as old as the British empire in the Indian subcontinent.

He said though the issue was still contentious, Nagas are fortunate to have many recorded histories of the British government, including detailed maps of the Northeast.

Yepthomi said based on such histories and records, the Nagas had rightfully put forward their claims to the government and people of the mainland.